Casting and finishing machine for curved stereotype printing plates



Ma 927m y H. A. w. WOOD CASTING-AND FINISHING MACHINE FOR CUIWED STEREQTYPE PRINTING PLATES Original Filed April 17, 1923 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Ma 10 1927. I

H.A..W.WOOD' CASTING AND FINISHING IIACHINE FOR CURVED STEREOTYPE PRINTING PLATES Oliigixial Fn' April 17,1923 I 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 35am. N

May 10, 1927.

H. Aiw. WOOD CASTING AND FINISHING MACHINE FOR CURVED STEREOTYPE PRINTING PLATES Orizina1 Filed A ril 17, 1923 'rfsneeta-sneet 3 1,627,817 May H. A. w. wooD CASTING AND FINISHING MACHINE FOR' CURYED STEREOTYPE PRINT 1N6 PLATES Original Filed April 17, 1923 'TSheets-Sheet 4 1,627, 17 1927' H. A w. wooo 8 CASTING AND FINISHING MACHINE FOR CURYED STEREOTYPE PRINTING PLATES Original Filed April 17, 1923 7- Sheets-Sheqt 5 I W aardw 1,627,817 M! 1927' H. A. w. wo oD I CASTING AND IFIN ISHING' MACHINE FOR CURVED STEREOTYPE PRINTING PLATES Original Fi led April l'l, 1923 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 1,627, 7 4 1927' H. A. w. WOOD 81 CASTING AND FI IINISHING MACHINE FOR CURVED STER EOTYfE PRINTINd PLATES Origin g1 Filed April 17, 192: '7 Shuts-Sheet 7 Patented llda'y ill, i927.

nnrren STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HENRY A. WISE WOULD, 01 NEW' YGRK, Y1, ASSIGFOR TO VVOOID NEWSPAPER MACHIN- N. Y., A CORPORATION OF VIRGINIA.

ER'Y"CGBIPGBATION, OF NEW YORK,

CASTING AND FINISHLZNG IvIACHINE FOR CURVED STEREOTYPE PRINTING PLATES.

Application filedllpril 1?, 1923, Serial No. 632,639. Renewed December 27, 1928.

This invention relates to a machine for casting and finishing curved stereotype printing plates.

The principal objects of the invention are to provide mechanism for both casting and i'inishing the plates of such a nature as to reduce the expense of the plant, and avoid the expense 01" providing any means for conveying the plate from one place to another for finishing it; to provide for finishing the plates in the casting mold without providing any separate finishing machine; to provide for ejecting the matrix before the finishing is performed so that the plate can be brought back to rest against a solid metal surface during the finishing operation; to provide means whereby, after the matrix is ejected, the plate will be forced back the proper distance in the mold so as to seat iirmly against the back, whereby the latter will form a firm backing for the plate during the shaving operation; to provide means whereby the core is rotated two complete revolutions after each casting is made to perform all its operations, first to eject the mati' second to restore the cast plate to its 01 iginal position in the c sting box, third, to force the cast plate back to occupy the by the ejection oi the matrix, iou th to share the back of the plate, and li'lth to eject the plate; to provide improved means for holding and releasing the curved ends oi the matrix and cast bevels upon the pi and to provide automatic means for role g the llltltll); at the proper time to permit the ejection of the matrix with the cast plate, and thereafter bringing it and looking it to prevent the ejection cast plate when the core is turned ther to shave the plate. ect:?. and advantages of the invention will appear hereinafter.

Reference is to be had to the accompanydrawings, in which- Fig. l is a plan of a casting and finishing machine constructed in accordance with this an end view showing the clutch sin as indicated by the arrow 3 in Additional ob- Fig. at a side view of the same showing the trinnning saw mechanism, see arrow 4 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is an end view of the mold, as inclicated by the arrow 5 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view on the line 6-6 of Fig. 5 through the core and cast plate, showingthe parts in the position in which they stop; v

Fig. 7 is' a sectional view, as indicated by the line 7+7 in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary end view of the mold showing the mechanism for controlling the matrix bar, see arrow 8 in Fig. 1; this shows the end opposite that shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 9 is a transverse sectional view through the interior of the mold illustrating the mechanism below for. operating the pouring funnel;

Fig. 10 is a similar view with some features omittedishowing the pouring funnel in open position and the trimming saw in action; I

Fig. 11. is a. view similar to Fig. 10 but showing the operation of stripping the matrix from the plate, the core rotating through its first half revolution;

Fi 12 is a similar view showing the parts in the position they assume when the core has made a complete revolution and started on its second with the operation of shaving just started;

Fig. 13 is a similar view showing the plate partly ejected on the second half of the second revolution of the core; and

F i Li and 15 are enlarged sectional views of the mold with the cast in position, the latter showing its manipulation after the matrix is removed.

This machine is designed to reduce the expense and complication of the machinery for casting and finishing curved stereotype plates for use particularly in small plants, and yet be capable of use in many large plants with much saving in the original cost ot' the machinery and space occupied thereby,

As will appear, the operator can insert the matrix. close the mold by hand, and then introduce the metal at the proper time. After the casting has been sufficiently cooled he has to open the mold by raising the riser forming funnel. Then he operates the mechanism by hand for trimming oil the. riser. The funnel is closed again later by mechanism controlled by the foot of the operator. The operator starts the core turning mechanism into operation by hand for ejecting the plate and matrix during a half revolution of the core. The matrix is stripped from the core by hand as it emerges from the back on the core. The next half revolution restores the plate back to its original position in the mold, but not backed by the matrix. The plate shifted rela tive to the core to con'ip-cuisate for the space left by removing the matrix before shav- The rotation of the core continues and ion; the first half of its second revo- ..on a blade on it shaves out the plate. luring the fourth half revolution the plate is ejected. The operator then has to insert toe matrix in the mold again for the next cast. The matrix bar is locked and unlocked automatically at the proper times.

I have shown the mechanism as mounted on a frame 9 provided with a power driven shaft 10 rotating constantly. This shaft provided w th a rotating clutch section 11 slidi' gly keyed to it and adapted to be moved by a hand clutch lever 12 into position to clutch it to a worm 13 rotatably and freely mounted on the shaft 10. This worm operates a worm wheel 14- lixed on a shaft 20 and causes it to rotate two complete revolutions when the lever is moved automatically to draw the clutch ll out and stop e machine. This clutch lever has a roll 15 which rotates on a cam 16 fixed on the verin wheel. This cam has a depression 1.7 for receivii the roll 15 at the end of each rotation and permitting the stopping of the wheel 14 in the manner to be described.

The clutch lever 12 is slidingly keyed on a shaft- 8 which has a fixed arm connected with a pivoted spring rod 19 tor holding the shaft and connected parts in either extreme position. The arms for supporting the roll 15 and. the clutch. roll or stud are also fixed to this shaft 18. A clutch throw-out arm 8 on the clutch lever 1.2 has a n'ojecting end adapted to engage in a square screw thread 7 on the shaft 20 when the lever 12 is thrown in. The screw moves this arm and the lever 12 along the shaft as the latter rotates. Just before the end of two complete revolutions at stop projection 6 at the end of the thread engages the end of the arm 8 and forces it back at the second time when the depression 17 registers with the roll 15. This turns the shaft 18 and throws out the clutch, thus stop iing the shaft 20 when it has completed exactly two revolutions. A spring 5 on the shaft 18 forces the starting clutch lever 12 and clutch throw-out arm 8 to slide back along the shaft after the arm 8 is disconnected from the screw thread 7.

This leaves the clutch lever in position ready to be tuiini i l to start the machine.

The shaft 20 is mounted on the fixed frame it which is provided with a stationary concave back 21 for receiving a matrix M inst "hich the metal is to be cast to form the printing plate. The other side of the mold is formed by a convex core 22 fixed on the shaft 20 and rotating with it. The back and core are provided with cavities 23 which are supplied with cool water in ways well known in this art.

The semi-cylindrical mold forn'ied by these two parts is completed on one straight edge by a matrix bar 25 pivoted on a longitudinal hinge shaft 26. This matrix bar has a slot or notch 27 tor the edge ot, the matrix. The ends of the matrix are held by engagement with two bevel rings 27 in the ends of the mold or back 21. The shaft 26 is mounted to turn in bearings in brackets 27 carried at the side of the bz ck and provided with a spring 28 for yieldingly holding the matrix bar up in open position away from the edge of the box. The shaft 26 is operated by a handle 2% thereon.

Over this shaft 26 is a core groove seal hinge 29 having a spring 30 surrounding it and also surrounding a pin 31 on a projection 32 movable with the matrix bar 25. This spring presses down on a core groove seal 33 which is pivoted on a hinge 29. This is shaped to cover the matrix bar and seal that edge of the mold. it is forced down by the spring 30 inde endently of the other sprin 28 and tends to keep the 33 in closed position against toe bar 25 as shown in Figs. 9 and 10 but allows it to yield as indicated. in Fig. 12.

The core end or bevel rings 37 hold the curved edges of the matrix and cast opposite bevels on the plate. They are moved laterally to clear the plate P when that is to he moved in the mold for stripping toe matrix or moving the plate back in the mold l'tlliljf for shaving. These rings are held in place by a spring 38 hearing against a collar 39 pinned to a rod 4H) and against a fixed lug 36. This link and two similar links .2 me pivoted to a c ank plate 4-1 at diflterent poi: .1 around it. These links 42 hare the same motion but move in opposite directions to operate two levers l3 pivoted to the bevel rings These therefore are held in casting position by the spri They am drawn away once at the start 0i each revolution of the shatt 20 by a cam et l on that shaft operating a lever d5 connected with the rod 4t; and held back until the end of the revolution. filo they do not resist the turning of the plate to eject the matrix or deliver it or prevent the thrusting back of he plate in the mold for shaving.

(In the starting clutch lever 12 there is a lit) projection 69 having I a pin 70; lV-hen this elutclrlever is moved over: to the starting? hooks are slanted so that when they are brought together they Willueasily slide over each other and-the hooks-will engage behind the projections. A pair of springs"? are connected. with the levers for yieldingly forcing thehooksinto a position to close against and-hold-thematrix bar 25 closed.

Also mounted onthe oore'are-tvvo arms 78 adapted to engage projections 7 9 on the-two levers 74L; Every time the core completes the first half of a-v revolution these projec tions will force the levers 74 back against their springs and release-the matrix bar, if it isin closed 'position. Y

The core '22- is provided with a projection 61 and a shaving blade 62- extendingacross the core. It is also'providedwith a projection SO-adaptedto be imbedded in: thecast plate and to take the plate with the core as the core turns, provided the matrix bar is released. If, however, the matrix bar is prevented fr'ombeing released this projectionoriooth will plow its way out of the plate P. The core is also provided with a pluralityof' grooves or flats 81. shown three of them loca-tedat differentdistances apart circumferentially. These are made of a depth substantially equal: to the thickness of the matrix. Of course they providecorresponding flats on the inside ot the cast plate and these flats will rest against the convex surface ofthe core as tliecore rotates during theshaving operation They are provided forthepurpos of pushing the cast plate out from thecore a distance equal to the thickness of the matrix to-seat the cast'pl'ate firmly against the back after the matrix is removed to permit of holdingwt-he plate in the box and shaving its interior. The core also has square shouldered circumferential grooves 82 to ensure-the-rotation of the plate with the core.

The pouring funnelis mounted to swing on a shaft having an arm connected with a rod 64 for'turning the shaft and swinging the funnel. A spring normally holds the rod down and the funnel up. A treadle-GG isconnected to the-rod for elevating it. by a turn buckle orthe like." The treadle is held; downby: a snap-hook- 671 I have- Thelength of the-rod is adjustable For the purpose of. sawing off the; riser as will appear, there is airoperatinghandle- 47' on a shaft 48' carried under the back by the frame. 011 this shaft 48 there is a gear or other driving wheel 46 which can be turned from either extreme position to the other. It is left in either position so that at the next operation it canbe turned back through the same are but in the opposite direction. This has the same effect in both cases,v that-is, it oscillates the wheel d6. This wheelhas cogs on it which mesh with the links of achain 49. The chain is mow able over guides 50 at its ends. At each oscillation of the wheel d6 asaw carriage 51 connected with the chain moves through a straight path equal in length to the linear motion of any point on the wheel while it makes an oscillation in one direction; This carriage 51 is in the form of aslide moving horizontally, on inclined ways F2 on the side of the back 21.

This carriage 51 carries three parallel inclined shafts, a saw shaft 53 and two idler pulley shafts 54. On each of the latter there is a pulley 55. A belt ddruns over these pulleys and also over a pulley on th saw shaft 53. This belt 56 is driven from av pulley 57 on a shaft 58 constantly geared by gears 59 to the main driving shaft 10 so that this belt runs constantly in the same direction; On the saw shaft 53 is a saw (30.

This is atail cutting saw which, as it moves from one side to the other in either direction, constantly rotating, severs the riser froin the plate. The partsare so timed by the operator that. thesaw passes.

into the platejust after the. funnel 235 has been raised and when it emerges from the plate the funnel is restored-to its closed position. The parts arethen stopped there but the saw continues to rotate and it has no furtheraction until the handle l? is moved back again. Then, moving in the opposite direction it saws olf another riser. It will be seen therefore that this trimming mechanism is mounted on the casting box and operates on a: cast plate while the latter is in the mold in whichit was cast.

Operation.

lVith the mold and core in the po ition shown in Figs. 9 and 10.'the mold being empty; the matrix bar 25 raised 'and the pouring funnel '35 closed down, thematrix is inserted from theleft hand side edgeways.

Its edges that are to be curved enter unoer without departing from the scope of the invention as expressed in the claims. Therefore I do not wish to be limited to all the details of construction herein shown and described but what- I do claim is:

1. The combination with a stereotype plate casting back, of a core rotatable therein, means for starting the core to rotate, and means-for automatically stopping the core when it has completed two full revolutions.

2. The combination with a stereotype plate casting back, of a core rotatable therein, means for starting the core to rotate, means for automatically stopping the core when it has completed two full revolutions, and means rotatable with the core for shaving the interior of the plate in the back as the core rotates during its second revolution.

3. The combination with a stereotype plate casting mold of semi-circular shape having its axis horizontal, ozt' a core cooperating with the back to complete the mold cavity and rotatable on the axis of the back, said core being provided with means for taking the plate with it as it rotates a full revolution, and means whereby the continued rotation of the core through another half revolution will shave the back of the plate.

4:. The combination with a stereotype plate casting back of segmental form, ofa core having a convex surface rotatable therein between which and the back the plate is adapted to be cast, means rotatable with the core for shaving the interior of the plate in the back as the core rotates through the third half revolution, hand operated means for starting the rotation of the core, and automatic means for stopping it after it has completed two revolutions.

5. The combination with a stereotype plate casting mold of semi-circular shape, of a core cooperating with the back to complete the mold cavity and rotatable on the axis of the back, means for taking the plate with the core and restoring it to position in the back as the core rotates through one revolution, and means on the core for shaving the interior of the plat-e as the core rotates through its second revolution.

6. The combination with a semi-cylindrical back and a semicylindrical core rotatable on the axis of the back, said core having a shaving blade fixed thereon for shaving the interior of the cast platein the back, said core also having near is forward edge a projection adapted to carry the casting with it when the core is rotated in the absence of resistance, means for preventing the rotation of the plate during the second rotation of the core, thus causing the projection to pull out of the plate and to come into contact with the rear edge of the plate when the rotation is continued through another half revolution to enable the core to push the plate out of the b ack by its rotation.

7. The combination. with a stereotype plate casting back of segmental iiorm, of a core having a convex surface rotatable therein between which and the back the plate is adapted to be cast, and means rotatable With the core for shaving the interior of the plate in the back after the core has rotated a full revolution and while it is going through a second revolution.

8. The combination with a stereotype plate casting mold of semicircular shape, of a core cooperating with the back to complete the mold cavity and rotatable on the axis of the back, means for rotating the core two revolutions and then stopping it automatically, and means whereby as the core rotates through the first half revolution the plate will beinoved with it out of the back to expose the matrix thereon i'or stripping,

said core being provided with means for shaving the interior of the plate as it rotates through the next half revolution. 1

9. The combination with a segmental plate casting back, of a core relatively'rotatable therein, and means on the core for ejecting the matrix during a half revolution of the core and for holding the plate on the core as it continues to rotate and restoring rotatable with the core for shaving the interior of the plate while the plate rests against the back substantially in its original casting position therein.

11. The combination with a stereotype plate casting back of segmental form, of a core having a convex surface rotatable therein, means rotatable with the core for ejecting the matrix as the core rotates a halt revolution, and means whereby the continued rotation of the core through another part oi a revolution will shave the plate in the back.

12. In a stereotype plate casting and finishing device, the combination with a curved back, and a core relatively rotatable therein, of a matrix bar on the edge of the back, means for locking the matrix bar in closed position, yielding -means for holding the locking means adapted to yield to unlock the bar and permit the plate to be ejected,

a core starting lever, and means operated by said lever for unlocking the locking means when the lever is moved to start the core into rotation.

14. The combination with a stereotype plate casting mold having a rotatable core and a movable matrix bar, of a clutch adapt-- cd to connect the core with a source of power. a. clutch lever "for operating the clutch, and means operated by the clutch lever for releasing the matrix bar when the clutch lever is moved to close the clutch.

15. The combination with a stereotype plate casting mold havii'ig a rotatable core and a movable matrix bar, a spring for no1 mally moving the matrix bar to open posltion. a locking device for the matrix bar, and yielding means for holding the locking means in operative position, of a clutch adapted to connect the core with a source of power, a clutch lever for operating the clutch, and means operated by the clutch lever for releasing the matrix bar locking means when the clutch lever is moved to close the clutch to permit ejection of the plate by the rotation of the core.

16. In a stereotype plate casting and tinishing device, the combination with a curved back and a concentric core rotatably mounted with respect thereto. ot a pouring tunnel mounted along one edge oi: the back, a foot treadle, means for connecting said treadle with said pouring funnel for moving the pouring funnel into and out of operative position, and yielding means for holding the funnel back out of operative position.

17. In a stereotype plate casting and tinishing device, the combination with a curved back and a concentric core relatively rotatably n'ionnted with respect thereto, oi a pouring tunnel mounted along one edge of the back. foot treadle, means for connecting said treadle with said pouring funnel for moving the pouring funnel into and out oi? operative position, yielding means for normally holding the muring funnel back away from the mold, and positive means for holding it in operative position.

18. In a stereotype plate casting and tinishing device, the combination with a curved back and a concentric core rotatably mounted with respect thereto, of a pouring funnel mounted along one edge of the back, a treadle. means connecting said pouring funnel with said treadle -for moving the ponring tunnel into and out of operative position. a matrix bar for closing the end of the mold. a pair of hooks for holding the matrix bar in its fixed position, and means for releasing said hooks.

19. In a; stereotype plate casting and finishing device, the combination with a curved back and a concentric core rotatably mounted with respect thereto, of a pouring funnel mounted along one edge of the back, a treadle, means connecting said pouring tunnel with said treadle for moving the pouring funnel into and out of operative position. and a spring controlled hook for automatically locking the treadle in position to keep the pouring tunnel in operative position in the mold.

20. In a slereiiitype plate casting machine, the combimzlion with the casting hack, core, and a rotatable shaft on which the core is mounted. (ii a pair oi? end rings, and means on the shaft for moving said end rings outwardly once during each rotation of the core for releasing the cast plate.

21. The combination with a stereotype plate casting back 01 segmental form, of a core having a convex surface rotatable therein, means for removing the matrix, means rotatable with the core for shaving the interior of the plate while the plate rests against the back substantially in its original asting position therein, said core having means for pushing the plate radially against the back and holding it there during the shaving operation.

22. The combination with a segmental concave casting back for stereotype plates, of a convex core therefor having a series oi depressions each extending only part way around its convex casting surface and hava depth substantially equal to the thickness of the matrix from which the plate is cast for the purpose described.

23. The combination with a segmental concave casting back for stereotype plates, of a convex core therefor having a series of shallow depressions arranged at a plurality oi points around its convex casting surface having a deptl substantially equal to the thickness of the matrix from which the plate is cast.

24;. The combination with a stereotype plate casting back and means for shaving the interior of a plate in the back, of a core rotatable in the back having means for pushing the plate radially against the back and holding it there during the shaving operation.

25. In a stereotype plate casting mold, the combination of a relatively movable back and core, with means for moving the cast plate out of the back and thereafter restoring the plate to a position within the back.

26. The combination with a stereotype plate casting mold having a relatively movable back and core. of means whereby the cast plate is removed from the back by said relative motion and thereafter restored to its position in the back by the continuation of that motion.

27. The combination with a segmental plate casting mold having a concave back and a rotatable convex core, of means for starting the core to rotate, means for stopping the core When it has completed two full revolutions, means for allowing the plate to rotate With the core during the entire first revolution, and means for preventthe rotation of the plate with the core during the first hall of the second revolution and permitting it to be ejected by the core during the second half of its second i.'e\-'olution.

28. A convex core for a stereotype plate casting mold having a series of depressions on its convex surface unequally spaced apart around it cireumferentially for the purpose described.

29. A convex core for a stereotype plate casting mold having a series of flats on its convex surface and provided With a circumferential square groove to hold the plate firmly on the core when outside the back.

30. A convex core for a stereotype plate casting mold having a circumferential square groove to hold the plate firmly on the core when outside the back.

81. A convex core for a stereotype plate casting mold having a circumferential square groove to hold the plate firmly on the core when outside the back and having a pin projecting therefrom adapted to be embedded in the cast plate.

32. A convex core for a stereotype plate casting mold having a blade thereon for shaving the interior of the casting.

33. A semi-cylindrical and rotatable core for a stereotype plate casting mold having at a point adjacent to one flat surface a radial blade located in position to shave the interior of a concave plate as the core rotates through a half revolution With the plate in the mold.

34. A core for a stereotype plate casting mold having a curved casting surface and a substantial radially disposed shaving blade carried by the core.

35. The method of casting and finishing curved stereotype printing plates which consists in casting a plate in the mold and then shaving the concave surface of the plate while it is in the mold.

36. The method of finishing a curved stereotype printing plate which consists in shaving its interior While the plate rests in the back of the mold.

37. The method of casting and finishing curved stereotype printing plates which consists in casting the plate in a curved back against a matrix therein, then removing the plate and matrix simultaneously in a circular path, stripping the matrix from the plate, and returning the plate to the back to be shaved therein.

38. The method of finishing and delivering a cast stereotype printing plate which consists in exerting a pressure on the edge of the plate in the mold in a circular direction and ejecting the plate and matrix together from the mold by a circular motion, keeping the plate and matrix in cont-act as they emerge from the back, stripping the matrix from the plate, continuingthe circular motion to restore the plate to its casting position in the mold, moving the plate outwardly in the mold to seat it firmly against the back, and then shaving the back of the plate.

39. The method of finishing a cast printing plate Which consists in pushing the plate and matrix out of the mold in a direction parallel With the printing surface of the plate, stripping the matrix from the surface of the plate, restoring the plate to the mold, moving the plate in the mold a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the matrix, and shaving the back of the plate.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my signature.

HENRY A. WISE WOOD. 

